Paper short abstract:

What can critical realism offer development studies research? We review the main features of critical realism; its generic value in exposing context and contingent causality, and in supporting interventionist research; and its specific value in providing a basis for critical modernism.

Paper long abstract:

There is little overt engagement with research paradigms in development studies research, and yet all research is underpinned and shaped by a particular paradigm, even if not made explicit. This paper reviews the value of one such paradigm: critical realism. We concisely review the main features of critical realism: its ontological realism combined with epistemological relativism; its iterative, pluralist and reflexive methodology; and its emancipatory values. Alongside the general value of explicit use of any research paradigm, we argue two particular types of value of critical realism for development studies. First, generic values including exposure of context, a contingent causality that reflects real-world development experiences, legitimisation of different stakeholder views and reduction of research bias, and support for an interventionist approach and its goal of delivering international development. Second, specific value in addressing issues in development studies: integration of structure and agency; providing a basis for critical modernism; and framing research into the politics of development. We conclude that delivery of critical realism's utility will require the development studies community to take actions that enable this emergent research paradigm to flourish.